Airport Queues To Be A Thing Of The Past With New Machines

New airport X-ray screening machines have been introduced at major UK airports and could pave the way for a relaxation in hand-luggage regulations. The machines, produced by the Smiths Group, incorporate an Advanced Threat Identification X-ray facility which will be able to automatically detect explosives and liquid. The system provides more clear images of bag contents.

If harmful liquids or explosives are detected, a green light will appear on the screen in front of the security monitoring operator. The machines have already made an appearance at Heathrow’s new Terminal 5 with a further 11 machines installed at the west London airport.

The machines should enable passengers to pass through airport security a lot quicker and more will be rolled out at Heathrow in the coming months.
BAA hope to have the new machines at all seven of its UK airports, including Gatwick, Stansted and Glasgow.

Since 2006, there have been strict regulations in place at UK airports limiting passengers to one item of carry-on luggage with bags prohibited to carry larger containers of liquid.
Mark Bullock, managing director at Heathrow is positive the machines will take a step towards a calmer future at airports saying,

“We are hopeful that the new machines will support a move back to allowing two carry-on bags.”